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Ohio physical therapist license — NPTE exam, jurisprudence requirements, fees ($683), and application process. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-09. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Licensed Physical Therapist
Governing Authority
Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board
Official website →Member
PT Compact
Allowed
Direct Access
Allowed
Dry Needling
Required
Jurisprudence
24 hrs
CE Hours
$683
Total Initial Fees
DPT Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CAPTE Accreditation
Required
CAPTE Details
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required
Program Length
3 years (post-baccalaureate)
Clinical Hours
1440 hrs
Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. Programs typically take 3 years and include extensive clinical education hours. Prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics is required.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNPTE Required
National Physical Therapy Examination
250
Questions
5 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score of 600 out of 800
Passing Score
$485
NPTE Fee
Format: Computer-based; multiple choice
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Details
Ohio jurisprudence assessment required
Retake Policy
90-day waiting period between attempts; maximum 6 attempts lifetime
The NPTE is a computer-based exam administered by the FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy). It consists of 250 multiple-choice questions with a 5-hour time limit. Many states also require a separate jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws and regulations.
Patient Direct Access Details
VerifiedDirect Access Allowed
Patient access without physician referral
Evaluation Only
No
Treatment Duration Limit
Must notify physician within 5 business days
Limitations
Referral required if no progress within 30 days
Referral Required For
Direct access allows patients to receive physical therapy services without a physician referral. Most states allow some form of direct access, though limitations on treatment duration, evaluation-only provisions, and conditions requiring referral vary by state.
Physical Therapist Assistant Supervision
VerifiedPTA Supervision Required
PT-to-PTA Ratio
1:2
Supervision Type
General supervision
Telehealth Supervision
Telehealth supervision permitted with state-specific requirements
Aide Supervision
Direct on-premises supervision required for physical therapist aides
Physical therapists are responsible for supervising physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and aides. Supervision ratios, types (direct vs. general), and telehealth supervision rules vary by state. PTAs must work under the direction and supervision of a licensed PT.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
NPTE Fee Paid directly to FSBPT | $485 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $100 |
Jurisprudence Fee Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) fee paid to FSBPT | $48 |
Background Check Fee Approximate BCI/FBI background check fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $70 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($100), NPTE ($485), JAM ($48), and BCI/FBI background check (~$50) | $683 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$70
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
Physical therapist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as ethics, pain management, and evidence-based practice. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
PT Compact
Member State
Endorsement Available
Yes
PT Compact Details
Ohio is an active member of the PT Compact, issuing and accepting compact privileges.
Endorsement Requirements
The Physical Therapy Compact allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying credentials, passing the NPTE, and submitting additional documentation.
Ohio is unusual in requiring both a state-specific Ohio Laws and Rules examination AND the FSBPT Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) as dual jurisprudence requirements for PT licensure.
Ohio requires both an Ohio Laws and Rules examination AND the Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) at $48.
Direct access requires 2+ years of clinical experience with physician notification within 5 business days.
Dry needling has been permitted in Ohio since 2007.
Ohio is a member of the PT Compact.
The PT board is part of the combined OTPTAT Board (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers).
Biennial renewal requires 24 CEUs and costs $70.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#18 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123)
Entry Level
$81,510
25th percentile
Median
$99,740
-1% vs. national avg ($101,020)Experienced
$107,160
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,240 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Physical Therapists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+9.9%
High DemandNew Jobs
+25,300
over 10 years
Annual Openings
13,600
per year (avg.)
256,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Physical Therapy Career Ladder+61% salary growth potential
You are here
Physical Therapist
$99,740
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA
$62,140
You are here
Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE
$99,740
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 162–180 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the NPTE-PT licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Ohio requires passing the NPTE for PT licensure. As a PT Compact member state, Ohio offers multistate practice privileges. Direct access is available for patients. All licensing is managed through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.